The season changes always sneak up on me. I anticipate them but somehow, just when I’ve looked away, a bulb will pop, a leaf will turn, or the sun will set before I’ve even started cooking dinner. This Friday is the fall equinox, the day when the sun crosses the celestial equator, when day and night are just about the same length. And just like every past fall, I shook my head this morning when I noticed all the changing leaves. How did that happen so fast?
I find both joy and grief with each season change. Joy as I remember the delights of sweaters and soup, an excuse to stay inside and curl up with a book, the peace of a lit candle. And grief that time is passing so quickly these days. Grief for those things I meant to do, folks I meant to see this summer, that slipped past me in the business of life. Having young children will do that to you. Aging will do that to you.
I crave a slower pace. I crave the chance to savor each season’s own bounty. We live in a world of more, bigger, and faster. As followers of Jesus, those things aren’t our values. We are a people called to something different. Something more intentional. More focused on human thriving. I have decided to set myself a slow-down goal this autumn. I’m planning to host just a few friends for a monthly supper of soup. Simple. Achievable. Meaningful. Does a slow-down goal sound right for you? What might be a meaningful, accessible thing you can do to build community for yourself this fall?
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Ministry Highlight: New Member Inquirers Class
Interested in learning more about First Congregational Church? Join us after worship in the Fireplace Room September 24 and October 1. If you decide you’d like to join the church, Joining Sunday is Sunday, October 15. Contact office@fccb for information.
